Claim Rejected

2nd July 2010

On March 13th 2010, we put in a claim against South Northants council re: a huge hole which caused suspension damage to our car. Photos, measurements were taken and the hole reported on the day of the damage. Few hours later the council had been out and marked the hole and the next day it was repaired. This suggested to us that it was a danger to other road users because of the quick repair. Now the council have rejected our claim saying that the hole was inspected on 9 Dec 2009 and passed as acceptable. How can this be? Over 4 months later, once we had had a severe winter, with very cold temperatures, which made holes bigger, snow etc, then of course pot holes will change. Can we go through a "no win, no fee" claim company? where do we go next please? thanks.

Replies (1)

ROSIE2206     posted : 05/07/10 at 1:24 am

Hi, I also had a claim for about £82 rejected by Northamptonshire Council. They said that because the area was inspected on 4 Feb a default found and repaired on the 11 Feb that they considered the work had been with their schedule. Well then, as I hit 2 potholes that were "allegedly" filled in just 6 days later did the tarmac sprout legs and jump out of not just one but 2 pot holes? Did anyone bother checking the work had actually been carried out. I do not consider that a pothole repair only lasting 6 days to be very good workmanship, and did the council actually pay for either shoddy or invisible workmanship. I have asked for the name and address of the Ombudsman, and if necessary I will take them to Court. Next stop newspapers! Any advice welcome or any success stories. If I had been on a motorbike I would probably be dead now. Did anyone else hit either of the potholes which were on the Ashley Road side of Weston by Welland? ROSIE BURROWS rburrows2206@aol.com